Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in Combination with Kinesiotape on Post Mastectomy Lymphedema

Background: Lymphedema caused by breast cancer is one of the side effects of therapy. It is defined as arm edema in breast cancer patients caused by surgery or radiation therapy interrupting the flow of the axillary lymphatic system, resulting in fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue of the arm, decreased tissue distensibility around the joints, and increased weight of the extremity. Objective: This study was conducted to detect the effect of combination of intermittent pneumatic compression and kinesiotape on post mastectomy lymphedema. Patients and methods: Thirty females diagnosed with post mastectomy lymphedema were assigned randomly into two equal groups. Group A (Study group)received intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) with kinesiotape (KT) in addition to complete decongestive therapy (manual lymphatic drainage-compression bandage-medical exercises-skin care) three times per week for 4 weeks. While, Group B (Control group) received only complete decongestive therapy 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Assessment of lymphedema and shoulder range of motion (flexion-abduction-external rotation) were done by tape measurement and goniometer respectively before and after 4 weeks. Results: There was no significant difference in lymphedema size and shoulder range of motion (ROM) between groups pre-treatment (p > 0.05). Comparison between groups post treatment revealed a significant decrease in lymphedema size and a significant increase in shoulder ROM of the study group compared with that of the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results suggested that IPC in combination with KT was an effective method in post mastectomy lymphedema more than complete decongestive therapy only.